Philip inherited the Netherlands from Charles V. He angered the Dutch by trying to gain control of their Catholic Church, billeting troops in citizens' houses, and putting the Inquisition to work against Calvinists.
In 1572, 16 out of the 17 United Provinces rebelled under the banner of William of Orange, but ten returned to Spain's rule when Philip offered them a compromise. The seven northern provinces resisted Spain's army for decades. Many were Calvinists who wanted religious and political freedom.
In 1588, Philip sent the Spanish Armada to the Low Countries. It was defeated, and the United Provinces' independence was recognized in 1648.
The Dutch Revolt